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“10 things I wish every student knew about how to be successful in college”

7Jan2015

That’s the title of my new post on Vox, elaborating my old “advice to undergraduates” page. Number 10 is “Blow your mind”:

At the end of each year of college, you should look back at your thoughts and opinions 12 months before and find them quaint. If not, you probably didn’t read or explore or work hard enough.

I know I’ve succeeded when I read a blog post or paper I wrote a year ago and I see three points I should have made, and one I shouldn’t have. I know I’ve succeeded when I change my opinions because the facts I know changed. Better yet, I really know I’ve succeeded when I can see how a handful of new ideas have reshaped the way I understand the world.

Come to think of it, this is not a bad rule for life after college, too.

In retrospect, this blog has been the perfect commitment device. You people keep me honest.

I'm a Professor in the Harris School of Public Policy at the University of Chicago. I use field work and statistics to study poverty, political engagement, the causes and consequences of violence, and policy in developing countries. [Read more]